Owings Mills: Shop at Ruth's Closet to help yourself, and others

There's a hidden jewel in Owings Mills and one that exists because of a greater good. Ruth's Closet, a resale boutique, offers women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. Every day brings a new treasure, and at bargain prices.

Tired of your Jimmy Choo shoes, outgrown that cashmere sweater? No worries, donate those items to Ruth's Closet and your generosity will be far-reaching.

This boutique is staffed primarily by volunteers and 100 percent of the profits go to the House of Ruth Maryland. This organization offers services for victims of domestic violence and for their children.

The House of Ruth began in 1977 as a tiny shelter and has now grown into the most comprehensive domestic violence program in the state. Its goal is to educate and to provide services for women so that they can rebuild their lives free of fear.

There is also a shelter-based Clothes Closet where the residents can shop for clothes at no charge. Many times women flee with just the clothes on their back, and this service allows them to regain some dignity as volunteer personal shoppers help them with their selections.

Ruth's Closet is located at 9131 Reisterstown Road in the Valley Village Shopping Center (back, lower level). Call 410-581-9780 for operating hours before you visit. The volunteers that I met there were friendly and most helpful, and yes, I did leave the boutique with a crocheted sweater and a gorgeous purple gown!

With the spring-like weather lately, local residents have begun tilling their vegetable gardens and preparing seeds and plants for a future harvest. Now there is a way to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to your family without all the hard work, and it also benefits the Irvine Nature Center.

Community-Supported Agriculture is a weekly sharing of produce that is delivered straight from the farmer. In this case, the farmer is Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, and it has teamed with Irvine as the delivery place.

The cost will be less than $30 a box for family-sized portions of 8-12 weekly organic and seasonal ingredients. Every share purchased will contribute to better health, support local farmers, and help Irvine's environmental education programs.

The Harbour School at Baltimore will be hosting its' first-ever Museum Day on April 20 from 10 am until noon. The theme of the day will be "Energy" and students and staff have been working hard on their interactive exhibits.

Using the STEM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) students will tell the stories of their exhibits as they will be the museum curators and docents.

The Harbour School is a nonpublic school serving students from ages 6 to 21. The students at Harbour have been diagnosed as having learning disabilities, high functioning autism,Asperger's syndrome, other health impairments (primarily ADHD) or have multiple disabilities.

The school is at 11251 Dolfield Blvd. in Owings Mills. Call the school at 443-394-3760 with any questions.

Congratulations to Owings Mills High School junior Erin Discordia who placed second in photography at the Towson Arts Collective's Young Artists Showcase. For her efforts she received a $50 prize and a plaque at the reception.

Congratulations are sent to Jon Steven and Megan Homer Cardin on the birth of their baby daughter Dorothy Maya, who debuted on Feb. 8. She weighed a petite 4.9 pounds. Although an early surprise, she is healthy and happy and best wishes are sent to this new family of three. Grandparents Eileen and Bruce Homer and Howard and Judy Cardin must be over the moon!

Here's wishing a belated happy birthday to Sharon Principe who celebrated on April 2. I know it was a special day for her as she was visiting her newborn triplet grandsons, and her daughter, Holly. Congratulations to everyone in the Principe family for such happy news!

Other April birthday wishes are sent to Brian and Hanna Donovan (father-daughter), and to Marilyn Coslett, who all happen to live on the same street in Tollgate.

Looking ahead to next month, Liberty Post 122 Auxiliary is having its first flea market on May 12. Start collecting those attic treasures that have been accumulating, and turn them into ready cash. Tables are just $10 each and tend to sell out quickly. Call 410-363-1696 to reserve yours today.

This wraps up another month. I hope everyone had a blessed Easter and Passover, and I look forward to hearing your special news.